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watch nowApril 2 2012
FORCE FOUR ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS AS MILLION DOLLAR NEIGHBOURHOOD IS GREENLIT FOR SEASON TWO
[Vancouver, B.C. – April 2, 2012] Force Four Entertainment partners Rob Bromley, Gillian Lowrey and John Ritchie today announced the appointment of Dana Johl as Head of Production, and Deborah Wainwright as Head of Creative, overseeing the company’s busy slate of factual entertainment.
“Both Deb and Dana have been integral to our on-going success for several years. They are both talented multi-taskers, and this is a recognition of those facts,” said Executive Producer and Partner John Ritchie. “In addition to working with our broadcasters, their mandate is to continue to build our relationships with key creatives, and help develop new talent.”
The company last week received a green light from Corus Entertainment on the renewal of Million Dollar Neighbourhood for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada). The first season has already been sold to OWN U.S., and international sales of the original format, distributed by DRG, will launch at MIPTV in April, 2012.
Beginning with Million Dollar Neighbourhood Season 2, Johl will manage start-up, hiring and production, and Wainwright will oversee the creative vision and story teams on all Force Four projects. They will work closely with the company’s Head of Development Nicole Lawson, and Head of Post Production Jackie Sidoni.
Dana Johl joined the company three years ago as Producer of the Gemini Award-winning (Best Reality Series) The Cupcake Girls, launching its third season on W Network on April 4th, and sold in 95 countries. She is also a producer on Urban Suburban for HGTV, now in production on its second season, and Murder She Solved: True Crime, in production on its third season for OWN Canada.
Deb Wainwright joined the company two years ago, and has worked on many of its series, including the first season of Million Dollar Neighbourhood, Family Cook Off for Food Network, The Cupcake Girls, Urban Suburban, and the upcoming Border Security for Shaw Media.
In addition to its busy production slate, Force Four has a full development slate of scripted and factual programs.
About Force Four Entertainment Inc.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment began operations in 1983, and has now grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. www.forcefour.com.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Force Four Entertainment Inc.Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
January 23 2011
CITYTV LAUNCHES CANADIAN QUEST FOR LOVE WITH ORIGINAL REALITY SERIES, THE BACHELOR CANADA
– Home-grown series to be produced by Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment –
– Nine-episode reality series debuts in Canada in fall 2012 –
– Casting for the first Canadian bachelorettes begins today on Citytv.com/BachelorCanada –
(TORONTO – January 23, 2012) Roses are red, violets are blue – a favourite reality series will soon makes its Canadian debut! As announced earlier this morning on Breakfast Television and Rogers Radio stations by The Bachelor host Chris Harrison, the new original reality series The Bachelor Canada is coming north of the border and will launch exclusively on Citytv this fall.
Commissioned by Citytv’s original content team and produced by Force Four Entertainment, The Bachelor Canada is based on the perennially successful The Bachelorfranchise, currently in its 16th season on Citytv and OMNI Television. The nine-episode, Canadian, romantic reality series is in the pre-production phase with principal photography slated to begin this spring. Additional production and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
“The Bachelor has long been a fan favourite on Citytv and we look forward to putting a Canadian spin on this thriving franchise,” said Claire Freeland, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media, and Executive Producer of The Bachelor Canada. “Canada is brimming with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to embark on their own quest for love through this entertaining series.”
Beginning today, Citytv is kicking off a nationwide search for Canada’s most eligible, rose-loving bachelorettes. Casting call information and eligibility requirements are now available at Citytv.com/BachelorCanada. Casting details for Canada’s first bachelor will be announced at a later date.
"We are thrilled to be working with Rogers Media on one of the most successful reality television brands of all time,” said John Ritchie, Executive Producer and Partner, Force Four Entertainment. “We've already hit the ground running on producing the series and we're confident The Bachelor Canada will be a hit for Citytv when it debuts in the fall."
Social Media Links:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bachelorCA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bachelorcanada
About Force Four Entertainment Inc.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment, is one of Canada's most successful and respected television production companies. Since beginning operations in 1983, Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming. The company's highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world including the Gemini Award-winning W Network series, The Cupcake Girls, and the CBC series, Village On A Diet. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 11 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. For more information, visit: www.forcefour.com
About Citytv
Citytv™ television stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg offer viewers intensely-local, urban-oriented, culturally-diverse television programming. A distinct alternative to other conventional television stations, Citytv engages its viewers with dynamic on-air personalities and delivers an entertaining mix of news, local-interactive formats such as: Breakfast Television and CityLine; as well as local Canadian and US acquired prime time entertainment programming. Citytv is a part of Rogers Broadcasting Limited, a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For more information onCitytv stations and programming, visit www.Citytv.com.
Follow us on Twitter @Citytv_PR
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Leslie, Citytv, 416.764.3191, stephanie.leslie@rci.rogers.com
Sónia Brum, Citytv, 416.764.3194, sonia.brum@rci.rogers.com
Michelle Lomack, Citytv, 416.764.3190, michelle.lomack@rci.rogers.com
September 2011
Force Four Entertainment and DRG agree to first look and distribution agreement
Vancouver, B.C. – Wednesday, 21 September 2011. Force Four Entertainment of Vancouver, Canada and DRG of London, England today announced that they have entered into a First Look agreement for Force Four’s upcoming original factual slate. The companies have also committed to seek opportunities to develop factual for the international marketplace.
Force Four Entertainment is one of Canada’s leading and most highly respected production companies, producing programming in the factual entertainment, scripted and documentary genres for a wide range of broadcasters.
In 2010, the company was named one of the top factual producers in the world, as part of the RealScreen 100. Force Four’s reality series The Cupcake Girls, produced for Corus Entertainment, is distributed in more than 90 countries and won the 2010 Gemini award for Best Reality Series. Its feature documentary 65_RedRoses for CBC News Network won the 2010 Banff Television Festival Award for Best Canadian Program in all genres. In the scripted genre, the company has created numerous television movies and the Peabody award-winning mini-series Human Cargo.
DRG will premiere at MIPCOM-11 the new Force Four series and format: Urban Suburban, currently airing on HGTV Canada.
Force Four is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. “We are very excited to be one of the select few production companies around the world - and the only Canadian company - with which DRG has chosen to have a First Look deal,” said Force Four President, Rob Bromley. “They are a proven international distributor with strong global presence, resources and experience. This is great news for Force Four, and for our broadcast and production partners.”
Diane Rankin, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions at DRG who brokered the deal added, “Force Four is a dynamic team of extremely talented people, creating shows and formats which we believe to have huge worldwide potential. They have an exceptional reputation for delivering both high-quality commercial factual and drama programs, as well as critically acclaimed, award-winning documentaries. We're very excited to be working with them and for the opportunities that we can create together."
DRG is one of Europe’s largest international TV distributors and home to a slate of 2011’s highest profile high-profile primetime factual, format and scripted programming.
Its portfolio includes the record-breaking BBC reality series Don’t Tell The Bride, secured for local production in 13 countries and premiering as a US version on OWN this season; the critically acclaimed Channel 4 documentary The Real King’s Speech, now distributed to over 60 territories; the high-profile factual entertainment brands Heston’s Mission Impossible and Jo Frost Extreme Parental Guidance and the hit BBC TV quiz-show Secret Fortune, piloted by Nigel Lythgoe for CBS in the USA. The company is home to ITV1’s highest-rating drama series, Doc Martin, which is now produced locally across Europe and watched in over 200 territories; and Channel 4’s long-running and BAFTA winning comedy-drama series’ Shameless and The Inbetweeners – now produced locally in the USA for MTV.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Force Four Entertainment Inc.Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
August 2011
Force Four Entertainment Takes Viewers on the Road to Justice
Second Season of Murder She Solved: True Crime. Premieres Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada)
(August 10, 2011 - Vancouver, B.C.) The one hour documentary series Murder She Solved: True Crime, returns for a second season this fall with more gripping true stories of female detectives who crack open complex homicide cases and help bring justice to the families of victims. Murder She Solved: True Crime Season 2 premieres Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) and repeats Wednesdays at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT. Please check local TV listings.
“We’re thrilled to bring audiences a new season of Murder She Solved: True Crime,” says John Ritchie, Executive Producer, Force Four Entertainment. “This series was our first foray into factual crime programming. Viewers responded so positively, we will return with eight new episodes this fall. The broad appeal of this series, which draws upon the suspense and intrigue of real police cases, reflects our ongoing commitment to compelling storytelling.”
Produced by the Vancouver-based, award-winning production company, Force Four Entertainment in association with Mystique Films, and developed and produced in collaboration with Corus Entertainment’s OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada), each episode focuses on a different high-profile murder, case, told from the perspective of the female investigator who plays a key role in cracking the case. Season 2 cases include a woman known as the Black Widow; a mensa member whose intolerance of loud noise sends him over the edge; and a lone shark whose hired hitman gets the wrong woman. Viewers witness the challenges, setbacks and dramatic revelations these crime sleuths, and their teams, confront while piecing together complex homicide investigations.
“The first season focused on cases from across Canada, and we’ve now expanded the scope to include stories from the United States,” says Dana Johl, Series Producer. “We filmed in locations as diverse as Ontario, New York, Georgia, California, Florida and Texas. In every situation, we meet incredibly dedicated female sleuths, who, in their relentless pursuit of the truth, uncover the perpetrators of brutal crimes.”
With access to police files and resources, the series offers viewers a rare inside look at the fascinating details of a murder investigation. In-depth interviews with investigators, the prosecution, and the victim’s family and friends are interwoven with archival news footage, police interrogation videos, 911 calls and real crime scene photos. Taking viewers back through pivotal moments of each case, Murder She Solved: True Crime pays tribute to the impressive investigative work of these women as they strive to bring killers to justice.
On March 1, 2011, OWN launched in over six million Canadian homes on what was previously the VIVA channel. OWN is available in Canada through a license agreement with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multiplatform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. In the U.S. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment Inc. began operations in 1983, and has now grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. www.forcefour.com
Press kits, high-res images, and select interviews are available upon request.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Force Four Entertainment Inc.Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
August 2011
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) and Force Four Entertainment Announce Start of Production on Million Dollar Neighbourhood
New Docu-Series Set to Debut in 2012
(August 8, 2011 – Toronto, Canada) Corus Entertainment Inc. and Force Four Entertainment Inc., announced today production in Aldergrove, British Columbia on Million Dollar Neighbourhood, a new 10-part docu-reality series about one community's epic journey toward financial freedom, set to air on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) in early 2012. In only 10 weeks, the neighbourhood must increase their collective net worth by $1 million. Some families will rise to the top, others will drop out and others still will never join in – but those that stick with the program to boost their fiscal situation will be up for a surprise financial reward
To reach the community’s million dollar goal, every family must see an average $1,000 net worth increase each week. They will need to dig deep, downsize, earn, barter, share, swap, scrimp, save and collaborate with their neighbours in ways they never could have imagined. And if all one hundred families in this community can do it, they will truly become a Million Dollar Neighbourhood.
“Million Dollar Neighbourhood is about the power of community, the astonishing things people can accomplish when they come together. It’s a social experiment on an impressive scale. The series promises to keep viewers surprised and amazed while providing valuable money saving insight. It’s a great fit for OWN’s brand of entertaining and enlightening television,” said Vibika Bianchi, Vice President, Original Programming, Lifestyle, Reality, Factual Entertainment, Corus Entertainment. “We’re thrilled that the community of Aldergrove is so enthusiastic about the challenge. Their passion for achieving this enormous goal is sure to inspire other communities, neighbourhoods and households in the process.”
“Every family will hold their neighbours accountable,” said Sean DeVries, Head of Factual, Force Four Entertainment. “But more tellingly, our team of Financial Experts will be guiding, gazing, and getting tough with anyone not contributing to the common goal. Shelter, transportation, food and every indulgence will be scrutinized.”
On March 1, 2011, OWN launched in over six million Canadian homes on what was previously the VIVA channel. OWN is available in Canada through a license agreement with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multiplatform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. In the U.S. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment Inc. began operations in 1983, and has now grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. www.forcefour.com
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Force Four Entertainment Inc.Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
July 2011
Calling on Canadian Families to Compete in Popular Family Cook Off Format for Food Network Canada
Food Network Canada and Force Four Entertainment Announce Start of Production for First Canadian Edition of Hit Culinary Competition Series. Currently Casting for Canadian Families Who Love Cooking Together
(July 15, 2011- Vancouver, B.C.) Shaw Media today announced an agreement with Australia’s BrandNewMedia to produce the first Canadian edition of the internationally popular series, Family Cook Off, in partnership with Vancouver-based production company, Force Four Entertainment Inc. In each episode, food meets Family Feud as two families of four compete head-to-head in a fast-paced, three-course cook-off to find out whose family fare is superior. The 12-part half-hour competitive cooking series is currently looking for families across Canada who think they have what it takes to out cook the competition, with more information available at http://www.foodnetwork.ca/about/castingcall.html.
Scheduled to be shot outdoors in scenic Vancouver in front of a live audience, Family Cook Off is a game show-inspired home cooking competition like no other. The families compete under time constraints to prepare an appetizer, main course, and dessert, and then wait for the discerning expert judges to crown the champion
The competition is open to all Canadian families. Each team should consist of four family members comprising of any combination of parents, siblings, kids, cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents who enjoy cooking together at home and would like to share their family’s enthusiasm in a fun environment.
Families are asked to submit their entry with a family photo, recipe suggestions, and a short paragraph on why they think their team is the next great Canadian family of cooks. Video footage of families cooking together will also be accepted.
Families must be available and able to travel to Vancouver between August 27th and September 4th, 2011. Travel and accommodation will be provided to successful applicants.
For more application details and to submit entries, please visit http://www.foodnetwork.ca/about/castingcall.html or submit your entry to cookoff@forcefour.com.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment began operations in 1983, and has now grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. www.forcefour.com
About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.4 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 18 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, History Television and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, NYSE - SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Force Four Entertainment Inc.Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
June 2011
Force Four Lands 26-Episode HGTV Series;
Appoints New Head of Factual Entertainment
Vancouver, B.C. (June 1, 2011) Force Four Entertainment announced today that it is in production on a new 26 x 30 minute HGTV Canada series, Urban Suburban, and that Sean De Vries has been promoted to Head of Factual Entertainment, in response to the company's rapidly expanding development and production slates.
The announcements come on the heels of the company's inclusion on the Real Screen Global 100 list, and its busiest year of production ever, including the 11 x 1 hour series Village on a Diet for CBC, the second season of the Gemini award-winning The Cupcake Girls for W Network (which also airs on WE in the U.S.), the second season of Murder She Solved: True Crime for OWN Canada, and the one hour CBC Special, Corrie Crazy: Canada Loves Coronation Street.
Each episode of Urban Suburban features one couple trying to choose between living in the suburbs or near the city, as they are toured through six open houses by brother/sister real estate team, urban specialist Sarah Daniels and suburban specialist Philip DuMoulin.
The project was developed by De Vries, who is also a producer on the series and said of his new role, "Force Four Entertainment's success comes from creating compelling, entertaining programs and producing them with a great deal of integrity. I look forward to this expanded role of creatively directing concepts from inception through production."
De Vries joined Force Four as full time Director of Development in 2008, and the factual development and production slate has grown rapidly ever since. A former journalist for the CBC and BBC, he brings more than ten years of television production experience to his new position. De Vries works closely with the company's creative head, Executive Producer John Ritchie, who will continue heading scripted programming.
Working with De Vries is Development Producer Nicole Lawson, who has been with the company for many years, and Development Coordinator Tara-Lee Novak. The company has a busy slate of scripted and factual projects in development for a wide range of broadcasters including CBC, OWN Canada, W Network, TVTropolis, Food Network, and HGTV.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment, one of Canada's most successful and respected television production companies. Since beginning operations in 1983, Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming. The company's highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world including the Gemini Award-winning W Network (27 x 30?) series, The Cupcake Girls, and the CBC (11 x 60?) series, Village On A Diet. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 11 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
December 2010
Force Four Entertainment puts a Village On A Diet
VILLAGE ON A DIET (10X60') premieres on Monday January 3, 2011 at 9 p.m. on CBC Television
Vancouver, B.C. (December 2, 2010) Obesity in Canada is out of control and nowhere is it more apparent than in Taylor, British Columbia. But this small northern community has decided to do something about their giant weight problem. The entire town has committed to shedding one ton of collective weight in just three months. Village On A Diet premieres on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Television.
“This is our biggest undertaking in factual production yet,” says John Ritchie, Executive Producer and Partner of Force Four Entertainment. “It’s much more than a TV series. We are telling the dramatic stories of the people of Taylor and with CBC we’re hoping to create a movement to inspire Canadians to make healthier choices for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
“Village On A Diet has the potential to shake up Canada by engaging viewers in a real conversation about their health, and motivating them to get off their couches to do something about it,” adds Series Producer Joyce Sawa.
To help the people of Taylor succeed, a team of experts are heading to the town, including: Dr Ali Zentner, a physician who specializes in obesity, dietitian Maria Thomas, chef Jonathan Chovancek, psychologist Adele Fox, and Garfield Wilson and Mike Veinot, two of the most hardcore trainers Canada has ever seen.
But where to start? Taylorites will have to learn how to eat healthy, eat less and exercise –concepts that don’t come easily to them. Through grueling workouts with the trainers, and life-changing conversations with the experts, townspeople will push themselves and their personal relationships to the brink, in order to achieve their dreams. These are inspiring stories of people who have decided they want a better life for themselves and their children. But it won’t be easy.
“Statistics are revealing a shocking trend in Canada’s health,” says Rob Bromley, President, Force Four Entertainment. “However recognizing the problem is only the first step. People need to know where to start and how to access resources that can help them – and that’s what this series is all about.”
“What the people of Taylor ultimately discover over the course of the series is that if they truly want to succeed, they have to work together as a community,” adds Force Four Partner Gillian Lowrey. “And that’s a powerful message for all of us.”
VILLAGE ON A DIET is a groundbreaking series in its scope, its authenticity and – perhaps most of all – its potential to inspire not only the small town of Taylor, and ultimately the entire nation. It is a ten-part series with a special one-hour update episode produced by Force Four Entertainment.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment is one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Since beginning operations in 1983, Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world including the Gemini Award-winning W Network (27x30’) series The Cupcake Girls, and the Corus/OWN docu-crime series (16x60’), Murder She Solved: True Crime, both currently shooting second seasons. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 11 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. www.forcefour.com
For program backgrounders and images, please visit mediacentre.cbc.ca.
For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon, Publicist. Phone: (604) 318-1882
Email: vanfilmbuff@novuscom.net
September 2010
Let Them Eat (More) Cupcakes!
Gemini-Nominated Cupcake Girls Renewed for a Second Season on W Network and Begins Airing in the U.S.
(Vancouver, BC – September 28, 2010) Force Four Entertainment is proud to announce that their three-time Gemini nominated lifestyle documentary series, The Cupcake Girls, has been renewed for a second season on the W Network, slated to air in April 2011. In addition, the show’s first season began airing in August on American network, WEtv.
Production on the second season begins October 5, for another series of deliciously delectable and hilarious episodes of best friends Heather White and Lori Joyce on their sweet journey to build a cupcake empire. Season 1 saw Lori successfully conceive through IVF, Heather working through her own personal struggles using an intense gym regime, and business-as-usual at Cupcakes had the ladies investigating missing money, securing two coveted new locations, doing a team retreat in the wilderness and dealing with the realities of working with family members.
In season 2 of The Cupcake Girls, Lori and Heather continue to expand their "cupcake empire", but this season, their "no marriage, no babies" policy has been lifted and consequently their personal lives are wreaking havoc on their business plans like never before. Lori’s maternity leave lasted all of two days and she's struggling with the compromises that running a business and being a new mother require - something's gotta give, and Lori's determined it won't be her dedication to breast feeding. Heather is equally distracted by her new relationship and their decision to start house-hunting is raising alarm bells for Lori and Heather's mom, Kathie. Heather’s father, Brian, returns as Senior VP of Facilities Management and gets more deeply involved in the business. New characters in the mix this season include the new pastry chef, a Gordon Ramsey wannabe who cooks up new flavors for a man-friendly cupcake line, and an uber-designer who takes charge in refreshing the brand but whose working style divides Heather and Lori like never before. Top that off with Cupcakes franchises opening across the country, and as we saw in the first season, there is never a dull moment in the world of Cupcakes!
"We are thrilled that the series has resonated with viewers in both Canada and the United States," says John Ritchie, Executive Producer at Force Four Entertainment. "W Network is a great broadcast partner to work with, and it’s very exciting to be nominated for three Geminis and be renewed for a second season of following Lori and Heather’s personal and business adventures."
Best friends since they were 15 years old, both Lori and Heather grew up in Victoria, BC and dreamed of owning their own business. That dream came true in April 2002 when they opened their first Cupcakes bakery on Vancouver’s Denman Street.
With a total of six Cupcakes bakeries in BC, Heather and Lori are recognized as two of BC’s top entrepreneurs and have no plans to stop there. They have expansion plans though 2010 with more franchise bakeries opening across the country and world-wide interest in their sweet and successful concept.
About Force Four Entertainment
Force Four Entertainment is based in Vancouver, BC, began operations in 1983, and has grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. Upcoming series include eight episodes of Murder She Solved: True Crime, airing in September on Viva, and Village on a Diet, a ten episode series airing on CBC in January, 2011. The Cupcake Girls is the company’s fourth television series produced for W Network. www.forcefour.com
About Cupcakes
A popular, retro-styled Vancouver-based retail bakery, Cupcakes specializes in whimsical cupcakes, cakes and other nostalgic baked goods made fresh daily. Co-founded by best friends Heather White and Lori Joyce in 2002, Cupcakes employs 50-60 employees depending on the season and has two retail bakeries and four franchise bakeries to date, with its newest store opening in Victoria in December. Cupcakes bakes their products from scratch and use preservative-free, basic ingredients, offering customers fresh batches of yummy goodness daily. They also offer scrumptious retro cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, special events, or just to indulge. www.originalcupcakes.com
August 2010
Force Four Entertainment committed to solving crime with MURDER SHE SOLVED: TRUE CRIME on VIVA
Murder She Solved: True Crime, a new eight-episode, one hour documentary series for VIVA, tells the true stories of female crime solvers who, against all odds, have solved some of the most daunting murder cases in Canada. Combining elements of mystery and intrigue, the series’ unique visual style and riveting storytelling compels viewers to connect the dots as crime-solvers unravel the clues in their journey to solve the crime.
Produced by the Vancouver-based, award-winning production company, Force Four Entertainment in association with Mystique Films, and developed and produced in collaboration with Corus Entertainment’s VIVA, Murder She Solved: True Crime premieres on Saturday, September 11 at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on VIVA with repeats on Sundays at Midnight ET (9 p.m. PT), and Mondays at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) and 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT). Please check local TV listings.
"This is the first factual crime series for us, and we are thrilled to be collaborating with VIVA," says John Ritchie, Executive Producer, Force Four Entertainment. "Whether it’s the in-depth news of Dateline or the fictional drama of CSI, crime stories have always been an audience favourite. Murder She Solved: True Crime offers all the excitement of headline news with thorough investigative reporting, but from a Canadian perspective. It will appeal to a broad audience and make great destination TV viewing."
At the heart of each one-hour episode is a high-profile Canadian murder full of twists, turns, dead ends and high-speed car chases, and a female investigator whose role is pivotal in solving the case. Viewers witness the challenges, set backs and dramatic revelations these crime sleuths, and their teams, confront while piecing together complex homicide investigations.
"From Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Hamilton, St. Catharines, to Toronto, there’s a never-ending number of headline-making crime stories," says Dana Johl, Series Producer. "But, what makes Murder She Solved: True Crime more unique from other crime series is that the untold stories behind some of Canada’s most notorious killers are revealed by some of our country’s top female criminal investigators."
The events of each case are told through in-depth interviews with the key female investigator along with other central members of the investigative team, the prosecution, and the victim's family or friends. With incredible access to police files, the series makes use of archival news footage, police interrogation video, 911 calls, real crime scene photos, and impressionistic visuals of the actual crime locations to create tension and suspense while taking viewers back through the moments of the case.
Working closely with police across the nation, Murder She Solved: True Crime is a compelling documentary series that brings a voice to innocent victims and pays homage to the impressive work of law enforcement in bringing their killers to justice.
July 2010
65_REDROSES WINS BANFF ROCKIE AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN PROGRAM
Documentary tells the compelling, inspiring story of double lung recipient Eva Markvoort
Force Four Entertainment was presented with the Banff Rockie Award for Best Canadian Program for the one-hour documentary 65_RedRoses at the Banff World Television Festival on Tuesday, June 15th. Directed by Nimisha Mukerji and Philip Lyall, the film tells the story of Eva Markvoort, a beautiful, high–spirited young woman with Cystic Fibrosis, as she awaits a double lung transplant.
The film was produced by Force Four partner John Ritchie and Executive Produced by Force Four partners Rob Bromley and Gillian Lowrey, for CBC News Network’s The Passionate Eye. Commissioning Editor for CBC was Andrew Johnson. Funding was also provided by Knowledge.
Eva Markvoort lived for two years with her new lungs and recently passed away, causing an outpouring of emotion from around the world, as the film, distributed by PBS International, has screened in more than a dozen countries, picking up awards at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto, and the Vancouver, Mendocino, Omaha and Arizona International Film Festivals.
Spurred on by demand from around the world, the filmmakers are making DVD’s available for pre-order on the official website, www.65RedRoses.com. A portion of all proceeds will go to honoring the movement Eva Markvoort created for organ donation.
The win at the Banff Rockie Awards signifies that the jury, comprised of top broadcasters from around the world, judged the documentary to be the best program produced in Canada in 2009, across all genres.
About the Filmmmakers Force Four Entertainment is a leading production company based in Vancouver, B.C., producing television in all genres, from scripted drama and comedies to factual entertainment and documentaries. The company’s many awards include the prestigious Peabody and multiple Gemini Awards.
65_Red Roses was directed and produced by Nimisha Mukerji and Philip Lyall, and is their first feature length documentary. The two young talents were last month awarded the Don Haig Award for most promising new filmmakers at the 2010 Hot Docs Festival in Toronto.
For more information, contact: Nicole Lawson, Force Four Entertainment 604 669-4424, extension 137 nicole@forcefour.com
March 2010
DELICIOUSLY DRAMATIC, THE CUPCAKE GIRLS LAUNCHES ON W NETWORK THIS APRIL
New series premieres on Sunday, April 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on W Network
Viewers can catch a full episode online now at http://wnetwork.com/thecupcakegirls
(Toronto, Canada) This April, Corus Entertainment’s W Network presents the premiere of The Cupcake Girls, a cheeky real-life look at childhood best friends and business partners Heather White and Lori Joyce on their quest for "world cupcake domination." The 13-episode docu-series, produced by Force Four Entertainment in association with W Network, follows the sometimes sweet and often crazy journey of Heather and Lori as they expand their Vancouver-based cupcake business. The Cupcake Girls will air every Sunday night with two episodes back-to-back beginning Sunday, April 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
"We jumped on the growing cupcake trend early last summer when shooting started on this series, and now as the series is about to hit the air, not only has Heather and Lori’s business expanded, but cupcakes are popping up everywhere," said Vibika Bianchi, Director, Original Productions, W Network. "As simple and sweet as cupcakes may seem, our audience will be amazed by the behind the scenes drama and comedy that goes on in Lori and Heather’s cupcake world over the 13-episodes of this series."
The cupcake business is no cake walk for Heather and Lori. If their lack of baking skills or business experience doesn’t stop them, their complicated personal lives will. Heather is a no nonsense business woman and recovering alcoholic turned triathlete, while the more happy-go-lucky Lori pursues her never say die mission for motherhood at the fertility clinic. With six busy locations, an all-female staff of 57 and Heather’s parents for employees, it looks like the cards are stacked against them, but somehow they always manage. From spy missions to couples therapy, the cupcake business is never dull. Viewers can tune in to catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Lori and Heather working their motto: "well-behaved women rarely make history."
"This is a new adventure not only for Lori and I but also our families who are involved in the business," says Heather White, co-owner of Cupcakes. "We have unique and entertaining staff who crack us up all the time and we know our viewers will come to love them as we do."
W Network is giving the viewers a special online sneak peek of the first episode The Cupcake Girls. Audiences can go to http://wnetwork.com/thecupcakegirls to get a taste of the series before the premiere on April 4.
In the first episode, premiering Sunday, April 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, Heather and Lori must scramble to make high profile wedding cake deliveries when Heather’s father Brian, the Cupcakes’ delivery man, gets stuck in traffic – again, and Kathie, Heather's mom, works to keep the peace. In episode 2, premiering Sunday, April 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT, Heather and Lori find out how hard it is to find good help when interviewing to grow their severely understaffed workforce after a number of employees fail to show up for work.
Watched by over 10 million viewers in an average month, W Network delivers compelling entertainment for women, ranging from blockbuster movies to popular dramas and lifestyle series. Its website, www.wnetwork.com offers in-depth show information featuring expert advice from hosts in addition to a popular games section and a rich online community. W has built a leadership position as "marketing to women experts" through its various research initiatives, including The Her Report.
W Network is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising services, television broadcasting, children’s book publishing and children’s animation. The company’s multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon (Canada), W Network, CosmoTV, VIVA, Sundance Channel (Canada), Movie Central, HBO Canada, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including CKNW, CFOX, CKOI, 98,5 FM, Q107 and 102.1 the Edge. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.
Force Four Entertainment is based in Vancouver, BC, began operations in 1983, and has grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television production companies. Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage.
The company’s highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world. Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. The Cupcake Girls is the company’s fourth television series produced for W Network.
About Cupcakes
A popular, retro-styled Vancouver-based retail bakery, Cupcakes specializes in whimsical cupcakes, cakes and other nostalgic baked goods made fresh daily. Co-founded by best friends Heather White and Lori Joyce in 2002, Cupcakes employs 50-60 employees depending on the season and has three retail bakeries and three franchise bakeries to date. Cupcakes bakes their products from scratch and use preservative-free, basic ingredients, offering customers fresh batches of yummy goodness daily. They also offer scrumptious retro cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, special events, or just to indulge. www.originalcupcakes.com
December 2009
Force Four Entertainment launches all-new celebrity insider TV series 'Six Degrees of TV', premiering on TVtropolis - Friday, January 8th at 7:00pm ET/PT
'Six Degrees of TV': Your backstage pass to Tinseltown
For Immediate Release - VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver based production company Force Four Entertainment launches an all-new celebrity insider TV series, 'Six Degrees of TV', premiering on TVtropolis Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:00pm ET/PT. This weekly primetime series takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of Tinseltown to reveal the shocking connections, insider stories and revealing relationships that link Hollywood's hottest stars and high profile personalities by six degrees.
How is it that '80s star Tony Danza is connected to British funny man Ricky Gervais? Or, material girl Madonna connects to '40 Year Old Virgin' star Steve Carell? Combining fascinating stories and little known facts, 'Six Degrees of TV' offers viewers a unique insight into the lives of their favourite stars. Each half-hour episode matches seemingly unrelated stars and reveals their personal connection through 'Six Degrees of TV'.
"Celebrities are fascinating to us and so are their relationships," says Series Producer David Freeman "and this series exposes the strangest connections that will surprise even the most ardent fans."
Find out which comedian turned down another's job offer, which celebrity introduced himself by writing a letter to another star who was in jail, and which musician received death threats after appearing in a director's film - only on 'Six Degrees of TV.' Expect to learn even more about your favorite celebrity A-listers this year, including the connections between Jim Carey and George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey and Gordon Ramsey, Barbra Streisand and Tina Fey, John Travolta and Justin Timberlake, and even Geena Davis and Barack Obama, to name just a few.
Featuring interviews with some of North America's most well respected industry insiders, celebrities and television experts, including Jen Garcia of People Magazine, Erin Cebula, Michael Eckford, Katherine Monk, and Hollywood Blogger Laura Saltman, 'Six Degrees of TV' is definitely your backstage pass to the world of entertainment.
Please check your local listings or visit tvtropolis.com for upcoming episodes of 'Six Degrees of TV'. ** Episodes will air every Friday from January 8th to May 28th with re-runs to follow.
March 12, 2009
A Mother’s Love Isn’t Black and White: CTV Original Movie PLAYING FOR KEEPS
Premieres April 5
– Inspired by a high-profile Canadian custody battle set in Vancouver,
CTV Original movie stars Jennifer Finnigan (CLOSE TO HOME)
alongside Doug Savant (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES) and Roger Cross (24) –
Toronto, ON (March 12, 2009) – When a young, white sports groupie falls in love with a married, pro black basketball star, their child becomes the focus of a ground-breaking and racially-charged Canadian custody battle. CTV announced today the premiere of the CTV Original Movie PLAYING FOR KEEPS, a gripping dramatization of a mother’s fight with her son’s pro-athlete father for sole custody of their son, premiering Sunday, April 5 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV. Confronting issues of class, fame, and above all, race, the two-hour, Canadian production stars Montreal-native and Daytime Emmy® Award-winning actress Jennifer Finnigan (CLOSE TO HOME, CROSSING JORDAN), Doug Savant (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, MELROSE PLACE), and Roger Cross (24, NCIS). PLAYING FOR KEEPS will also be available on demand on the CTV Video Player at CTV.ca following its broadcast premiere.
Following its January 2009 premiere on the Lifetime Movie Network, PLAYING FOR KEEPS was the third highest-rated original movie in Lifetime Movie Network history.
**Media Note** - Download press kit and photos from PLAYING FOR KEEPS at www.ctvmedia.ca.
Inspired by a high-profile Canadian legal battle, PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the story of Vancouver sports groupie Nicole Alpern (Finnigan), who falls in love with married, pro basketball player Ty Rivers (Cross) and becomes pregnant with his child. When Ty decides he wants to be a full-time parent to his son, the two begin an emotional custody battle over Noah. At the heart of the custody fight is the notion of whether or not Noah should be raised by the African-American family he resembles or his single, Canadian Caucasian mother. Teaming up with ambitious lawyer Peter Marcheson (Savant), Nicole must plead her precedent-setting case to the ultimate authority – the Supreme Court of Canada.
"PLAYING FOR KEEPS is a compelling dramatization of an emotional and psychological journey inspired by a case which led to a historic decision by the Supreme Court of Canada," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "Jennifer Finnigan delivers a poignant portrayal of one woman’s perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds."
"I was really taken by the story of a woman who had everything against her. She had money against her, she had fame against her, she had class against her, race and public image against her," said producer Marsha Newbery.
"Here was a young mother with almost no resources who just fought as much as she possibly could to keep her child," added executive producer John Ritchie.
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is directed by Gary Harvey (ROBSON ARMS, WHISTLER) and was filmed on location in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was developed and produced by Force Four Entertainment, in association with CTV and Lifetime Television. PLAYING FOR KEEPSis produced with the assistance of the Cogeco Program Development Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit Program, The Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC and developed with the participation of British Columbia Film and Telefilm Canada.
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is written by Shelley Eriksen (Shania: A Life In Eight Albums, Cold Squad), developed and executive produced by Force Four Entertainment’s John Ritchie, Rob Bromley and Gillian Lowrey (Human Cargo, The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess). Howard Dancyger (Dragon Boys, The Burial Society) and Marsha Newbery (The Rock and Roll Kid, Tailor Made) are producers. CTV’s production executives are Robert Hardy and Samantha Mastai. Brett Burlock is Director, Program Development for CTV. Susanne Boyce is President, Creative, Content and Channels for CTV Inc. Production executive for Lifetime is Elizabeth Wise. Tanya Lopez is Senior Vice President of Movie Programming at Lifetime Television.
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the eleventh original movie from CTV’s "Heroes, Champions and Villains" production strand that focuses on remarkable Canadian personalities, characters and stories. The strand is responsible for 2007’s IN GOD’S COUNTRY, starring Kelly Rowan, which delivered a record 1.6 million** viewers and was the most-watched movie (U.S. or Canadian) to air on any Canadian network in 2006-2007. Previous "Heroes, Champions and Villains" titles that have enjoyed critical and ratings success on CTV include ELIJAH, the two-part miniseries LIVES OF THE SAINTS, TERRY, THE MAN WHO LOST HIMSELF, EIGHT DAYS TO LIVE, SHADES OF BLACKand OF MURDER AND MEMORY.
About CTV Original Programming
CTV produces the most-watched original programming in Canada. CTV’s success and commitment to original production has cemented the network as the industry-leader dedicated to telling fresh Canadian stories and building home-grown talent. The network's ongoing commitment to develop, produce and promote industry-leading television that engages viewers is evident across a wide range of programming genres.
Seen around the world, the network’s robust slate of critically acclaimed, award-winning original productions includes: Canada’s #1 comedy series, CORNER GAS; the most-watched Canadian drama series, FLASHPOINT; Canada’s #1 new program, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA; the award-winning and internationally acclaimed series DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION; the upcoming drama series THE LISTENER and THE BRIDGE; Elvis Costello’s new variety/talk series SPECTACLE; and promoting it all, Canada’s #1 source for everything entertainment, ETALK. CTV is also responsible for Canada’s most-watched awards broadcasts, including THE JUNO AWARDS and THE GILLER PRIZE. CTV is a proud supporter of its original movie slate including Gemini Award winners for Best TV Movie: MAYERTHORPE (2008), DOOMSTOWN (2007), HUNT FOR JUSTICE: THE LOUISE ARBOUR STORY (2006), and TRIPPING THE WIRE: A STEPHEN TREE MYSTERY (2005) along with ratings champions EIGHT DAYS TO LIVE and IN GOD’S COUNTRY.
About Force Four Entertainment
Based in Vancouver, BC, Force Four Entertainment began operations in 1983, and has grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected television producers. The company has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning accolades on the national and international stage. Awards include the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations. Force Four Entertainment programming includes drama, lifestyle and documentary projects for Canadian and American networks such as CBC, Global, CTV, City, Discovery, Slice, W Network, Lifetime, TVtropolis, Fox Reality, Oxygen, Discovery Health, Fine Living and Sundance Channel and its programs are distributed and viewed worldwide. Force Four Entertainment is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey.
About CTV
CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's premier multi-media company which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.
- CTV-
For more information:
Sónia Brum, CTV Inc., 416.384.5374 or sonia.brum@ctv.ca
Jim Quan, CTV Inc., 416.384.5311 or jim.quan@ctv.ca
February 13, 2009
DOCUMENTARY FOCUSES ON FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
VICTORIA – A new documentary profiling the lives and experiences of four B.C. families raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will air Monday, Feb. 16 on the Knowledge Network.
FASD is the most common form of preventable brain damage to infants in the western world. Health Canada estimates that for every 1,000 births, nine infants will be affected in some way by the disorder. It is not isolated to any specific demographic – it touches all social classes and ethnic groups and exists in communities both large and small throughout British Columbia, Canada and the entire world.
Created with the support of grant funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to PLEA Community Services, the documentary – titled FASD: Finding Hope – was directed by Susan Smitten and produced by the award-winning production company Force Four Entertainment of Vancouver. The film features interviews with doctors, psychologists, teachers and caregivers who are working toward a better understanding of FASD and how to best support children and youth with the disability. It also highlights a range of support services, including ministry and other programs that are providing hope for those living with the disorder.
In 2003, B.C. became the first province in Canada to create a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at addressing FASD. In March 2008, the Ministry of Children and Family Development collaborated with eight other ministries to develop a new 10-year Provincial Plan – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Building on Strengths. The ministry’s budget for FASD support services has doubled from to $2.7 million in 2005/06 to $5.4 million in 2008/09.
FASD: Finding Hope airs on the Knowledge Network at 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, and will be available to view online Feb. 17, 2009, at www.knowledge.ca/findinghope. More information about FASD can be found on the ministry website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd.
BROADCAST MAGAZINE - February 2, 2009
CTV/Lifetime Television Movie Scores High in the U.S.
CTV, the Lifetime Movie Network and Force Four Productions have teamed up on a precedent-setting made-for-TV movie.
In its debut Sunday, January 18, ‘What Color is Love?" aired on the Lifetime Movie Network to audience acclaim. The production drew a 1.1 rating among women 18-49 (451,393 viewers) and a 1.2 rating among women 25-42 (462,669 viewers), making it the third-highest-rated original movie in network history.
Due to air later this year on CTV with the title ‘Playing for Keeps,’ the $4.7 million movie is inspired by a true story about an interracial love affair that turns into a controversial custody battle. The film is directed by Gary Harvey (Robson Arms, Whistler) and stars Jennifer Finnigan (Close to Home, Crossing Jordan), Doug Savant (Desperate Housewives, Melrose Place) and Roger Cross ( 24, NCIS).
The movie is developed and produced by Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment, in association with CTV and Lifetime Television. It is the eleventh original movie from CTV's "Heroes, Champions and Villains" production strand that focuses on remarkable Canadian personalities, characters and stories.
The original teleplay is written by Shelley Eriksen (Shania: A Life In Eight Albums, Cold Squad), developed and Executive Produced by Force Four Entertainment's John Ritchie, Rob Bromley and Gillian Lowrey (Human Cargo, The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess). Producers are Howard Dancyger (Dragon Boys, The Burial Society) and Marsha Newbery. CTV's production executives are Robert Hardy and Samantha Morris Mastai. Susanne Boyce is President, Creative, Content and Channels. Production executive for Lifetime is Elizabeth Wise. Tanya Lopez is Senior VP of Movie Programming at Lifetime Television.
The behind-the-scenes team was led by director of photography Kamal Derkaoui (Robson Arms, Judicial Indiscretion), production designer Grant Pearse (Robson Arms, Cold Squad), costume designer Heather Lee Douglas (Whistler, Robson Arms) and editor Franco Pante (Elijah, Robson Arms).
‘Playing For Keeps’ is produced with the assistance of the Cogeco Program Development Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit Program, The Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC. It is developed with the participation of British Columbia Film and Telefilm Canada.
Based in Vancouver, BC, Force Four Entertainment began operations in 1983, and has grown into one of Canada’s most successful and respected Television companies. The company has produced more than 300 hours of primetime broadcast programming, earning the company accolades on the national and international stage. Awards include the prestigious Peabody Award, 10 Gemini Awards and over 25 Gemini nominations. Force Four Entertainment programming includes drama, lifestyle, factual and documentary programs and series for networks such as CBC, Global, CTV, City, Discovery, Slice, W Network, Lifetime, Fox Reality, Oxygen, Discovery Health, Fine Living and Sundance Channel.
June 5, 2008
Force Four Entertainment in production on "Playing for Keeps" (Working Title) for CTV and Lifetime
Vancouver's Force Four Entertainment announced that principal photography began today in Vancouver for its television movie Playing For Keeps, in production for CTV and Lifetime and slated for a Winter 08 release. Inspired by a true story, the film is directed by Gary Harvey (Robson Arms, Whistler) and stars Jennifer Finnigan (Close to Home, Crossing Jordan), Doug Savant (Desperate Housewives) and Roger Cross (24, NCIS).
The original teleplay is written by Shelley Eriksen (Shania: A Life In Eight Albums, Cold Squad), developed and Executive Produced by Force Four Entertainment's John Ritchie, Rob Bromley and Gillian Lowrey (Human Cargo, The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess). Producers are Howard Dancyger (Dragon Boys, The Burial Society) and Marsha Newbery. CTV's production executives are Robert Hardy and Louise Clark, Vice President of Program Development. Susanne Boyce is President, Creative, Content and Channels. Production executive for Lifetime is Elizabeth Wise. Tanya Lopez is Senior VP of Movie Programming at Lifetime Television.
The behind-the-scenes team is led by director of photography Kamal Derkaoui (Robson Arms, Judicial Indiscretion), production designer Grant Pearse (Robson Arms, Cold Squad), costume designer Heather Lee Douglas (Whistler, Robson Arms) and editor Franco Pante (Elijah, Robson Arms).
Playing For Keeps is developed and produced by Force Four Entertainment, in association with CTV and Lifetime Television. It is the eleventh original movie from CTV's "Heroes, Champions and Villains" production strand that focuses on remarkable Canadian personalities, characters and stories. Playing For Keeps is produced with the assistance of the Cogeco Program Development Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit Program, The Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC. Developed with the participation of British Columbia Film and Telefilm Canada.
Force Four Entertainment is an award-winning television production company based in Vancouver, B.C. The company has produced over three hundred hours of prime time television for networks in all genres, and has a busy scripted and factual production and development slate.
June 5, 2008
Force Four Entertainment Hires New Director of Development for Factual Programming
Vancouver-based production company Force Four Entertainment announced today that it has hired highly respected documentary and lifestyle producer Sean DeVries as its Director of Development. DeVries honed his journalism skills as a Senior Writer and Reporter for CBC Television in Vancouver and Edmonton. He later moved to London, England to work for BBC World Television.
DeVries will be in charge of developing Force Four's busy slate of factual programming, and will work closely with Development Coordinator Nicole Lawson and Writer/Researcher Greg Laikin. Force Four is currently in production on the second season of Tube Tales for Canwest's TVtropolis, as well as documentaries for CBC Newsworld's The Lens, Global Currents and Knowledge Network, and a lifestyle pilot which is preparing to shoot for W Network. The company's busy development slate includes drama, documentary and lifestyle projects for a wide range of broadcasters.
May 1, 2008
Canwest has announced renewal of the popular TVtropolis series Tube Tales: TV's Real Stories produced by Force Four Entertainment Inc. of Vancouver. The show features the real-life people, places and events that inspired writers and producers of hit TV Series. Global's renewal will bring the total number of episosdes in the series to 52.
April 8, 2008
Force Four Inks Deals with Australian Distributor
Force Four Entertainment has entered into an agreement with one of the world's leading independent distributors, Beyond International of Sydney, Australia, to distribute its new series Tube Tales: TV's Real Stories. Force Four is a leading producer of factual entertainment, and works with top distributors around the world. Beyond International also distributes two other series for the company, Making It Big (13 x 30 Minute Lifestyle Series) and Manhattan Matchmaker (13 x 30 Minute Lifestyle Series). Beyond will launch sales of Tube Tales at MIPCOM, 2008.
February 14, 2008
Force Four Entertainment announced today it has been given the green light by CTV and Lifetime Network to move into production on the television movie Playing for Keeps. The movie is set to shoot in June of 2008.